Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Hearing that the hand-dug well sometimes dries up in summer, we decided it was imperative to have a deeper well drilled. Here is the new well and the trench going out to the greenhouse where a second hydrant will be situated. Note the high water table, barely 2 feet down!

Monday, December 13, 2010

The greenhouse is situated between the two garden plots and next to the windrow, and faces south so that it gets full benefit of the winter sun. It will in turn warm and protect seeds and seedlings, chicks and chickens, and extend the growing season. We must complete it in time for the expected arrival of 100 laying chicks on January 12!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

We have ventured into the woods to gather firewood in order to feed the two wood stoves. One of us is loathe to eliminate "junk" wood from this collection, and this one is not the one who counts on the steady heat from the stove to keep him warm throughout the night.... it is good to see the wood shack in the ell start to fill with cords of assorted and sometimes questionable wood.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

It is exciting to be collecting material that will eventually form rich compost to improve the soil. A quick check of the immediate neighborhood turned up leaves in the front yard, several farms with mounds of manure, and a veritable leaf mountain at the community recycling center. These have made their way to a central part of our field where a windrow is being formed, and we hope it will continue to grow.

Already parts of the windrow are heating up, as evidenced by steam rising, and the rising temperature as shown on the inserted 18-inch compost thermometer--up to 160 degrees! (These thermometers are sturdy, precise, and should be a part of every gardener's and cook's toolchest since they are easily moved from the compost to the turkey, the brownies, and back to the compost pile. )

Monday, December 6, 2010

After spreading lime on the new garden plots, we started to spread composted manure on certain sections. These will be tilled under in the spring.

After a full day of spreading manure, at bed at night you still imagine you are spreading manure. And if you forget to clean your boots before going to the library, you find you are still spreading manure....

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Truly it is a time of thanksgiving, and a time of feeling welcomed by those who live here. With native Maine blood running rather thinly in our veins, we were nervous about how the neighbors might feel about outsiders moving into their neighborhood, but their kindness and welcome has quickly dispelled our fears.

In this first week on the farm, as we have been cleaning the farmhouse, installing a mailbox by the road, finding a wood stove via Craigslist and mapping out the garden plots, we have been visited by several neighbors who related their Fancy Farm memories and connections, and offered us help in numerous ways. It is good to feel the kindness and support of the community!

Friday, November 19, 2010

After what seemed like months of eager anticipation, today's closing on the Fancy Farm finally arrived. It was good to meet members of the Fancy family and hear of their excitement that the farm would come back to life. It was also a time for the community to celebrate the contributions of Scarborough township, the Maine Farmland Trust, and the Scarborough Land Conservation Trust in arranging the conservation easement that would both preserve the agricultural land and make the property more affordable to a farmer. Read the Portland Press Herald's article on the sale.